Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

In her eye-opening book, Rethinking Rescue, journalist Carol Mithers examines how poverty and economic inequality create impossible choices for pet owners who love their animals but lack resources to keep them. Through the remarkable story of Lori Wiese, who pioneered community-based animal care in Los Angeles’ most underserved neighborhoods, Mithers demonstrates not only that we can’t adopt our way out of shelter overcrowding, but that we must address the socioeconomic barriers that force beloved pets from their homes in the first place. With veterinary costs skyrocketing, housing in short supply, and judgment sometimes replacing compassion, Mithers challenges us to see animal welfare through a social justice lens and recognize that keeping pets with the families who love them is both more humane and more effective than traditional rescue models. Key Points: Rising veterinary costs have outpaced human healthcare, making even basic care unaffordable for many Housing insecurity and “no pets” policies are major drivers of animal surrender Reclamation fees at shelters often prevent low-income owners from retrieving lost pets Community-based veterinary clinics and support services keep animals in homes they already have Spay/neuter access remains critical but requires culturally sensitive approaches Animal care can be an entry point for addressing other social needs, like legal problems and mental health issues The myth of the “ideal pet home” (suburban, middle-class) ignores diverse positive human-animal bonds ABOUT OUR GUEST Journalist Carol Mithers has written extensively about extraordinary people and cultural movements for over three decades, with work appearing in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, and numerous other publications. Her latest book, “Rethinking Rescue: Dog Lady and the Story of America’s Forgotten People and Pets”—praised as “revelatory and provocative” by the Washington Post and selected as an NPR Book of the Day—chronicles how Lori Weise’s groundbreaking work created a safety net for both people and pets in LA’s struggling neighborhoods, demonstrating that social justice and animal welfare are intrinsically connected. Mithers previously co-authored “Mighty Be Our Powers” with Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee (a Dayton Literary Peace Prize finalist) and wrote “Therapy Gone Mad” about a 1970s psychotherapy cult. Her recent Capital & Main piece on pet ownership and eviction earned an L.A. Press Club Award. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this eye-opening episode of The Hen Report, hosts Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan welcome back Jan Dutkiewicz, professor of political science at Pratt Institute and co-author of the forthcoming book Feed the People: Why Industrial Food is Good and How to Make it Even Better. The conversation centers on a problematic New York Times article about animal rights activism in Sonoma County, which Jan critiques as “journalistic malpractice” for its misrepresentation of Direct Action Everywhere (DXE) and its failure to mention key investigations into factory farming operations hiding behind a “humane” facade. Jan explains how the article reinforces harmful myths about small-scale farming while dismissing legitimate animal welfare concerns, and discusses how these issues connect to his upcoming book’s examination of food systems, environmental impacts, and the impossibility of scaling “humane” animal agriculture to meet current consumption demands. Episode Highlights: Media Criticism: Jan provides a detailed critique of a recent New York Times article that misrepresents animal rights activism in Sonoma County and fails to mention crucial investigations by DXE that exposed factory farming operations. The Reichert Duck Farm Case: Discussion of how the article completely omits mention of the Reichert Duck Farm investigation, which exposed inhumane factory farming conditions hidden behind a “humane” marketing facade. Sonoma County’s Self-Image: Analysis of how the article uncritically accepts Sonoma County’s self-portrayal as a haven for humane farming despite voters rejecting a ballot initiative to ban factory farming. Legal Injustice: Examination of how courts in Sonoma County refused to allow animal rights activists to present the necessity defense or show evidence of animal suffering, unlike in Utah where similar evidence led to acquittals. Food System Myths: Jan discusses his forthcoming book “Feed the People,” explaining how small-scale “regenerative” farming is neither environmentally superior on a per-animal basis nor scalable to meet current consumption demands. Environmental Impact: Explanation of the “cow not the how” principle – that the environmental impact of animal agriculture depends more on what animals are raised rather than how they’re raised. Book Preview: Jan shares insights from his upcoming book (available February 17th) about industrial food systems, environmental impacts, and the need for more plant-based food production at scale. Media Responsibility: Discussion of how journalists should approach stories about animal rights activism with proper context, explaining both normative positions and factual investigations rather than reinforcing stereotypes. RESOURCES A California County Embraces Humane Farming. These Animal Activists Demand More. Preorder “Feed the People” We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan examines several developments causing concern within the meat industry. From evolving shareholder activism tactics to questionable comparisons between cultivated meat and lab-grown diamonds, the episode reveals how animal agriculture interests are responding to various challenges while continuing to rely on government support and biased media coverage. This episode explores: The evolution of shareholder activism tactics as reported by the Animal Agriculture Alliance How the meat industry is responding to cultivated meat through questionable comparisons and claims British meat industry’s ridiculous statements about UK mega-farms  The shortage of animal agriculture veterinarians and the government’s helpful response The spread of unfounded bankruptcy rumors about Beyond Meat and what it reveals about media coverage of plant-based alternatives   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

This episode of the Animal Law Podcast features Christopher Berry, Executive Director of the Nonhuman Rights Project, discussing a groundbreaking court case that recognizes companion animals as family members in certain legal contexts. Mariann and Christopher explore how this New York decision challenges decades of precedent that treated beloved pets as mere property rather than family, potentially opening new doors for animal legal rights. This episode explores: The absurd legal status of companion animals in tort law, including a Texas case where a taxidermied dog would receive more legal protection than a living one The facts of a landmark New York case involving a family dog killed in a crosswalk accident How courts are beginning to recognize companion animals as family members in negligent infliction of emotional distress claims The perverse incentives created by current laws that often make it “better” to kill than injure an animal The broader implications for animal rights and the Non-Human Rights Project’s work on procedural rights for animals This compelling conversation highlights how the legal system’s treatment of companion animals reflects deeper inequities in our relationship with all animals, and how common law evolution can help change the world for animals through the legal system. ABOUT OUR GUEST Christopher Berry is Executive Director of the Nonhuman Rights Project, where he leads the organization’s groundbreaking legal effort to secure fundamental legal rights for nonhuman animals. Before joining the NhRP in 2024, he spent over a decade at the Animal Legal Defense Fund focusing on civil enforcement of animal protection laws and elevating animal legal status through strategic litigation.   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. ********** You can listen to the Animal Law Podcast directly on our website (at the top of this page) or you can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would consider making a donation or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning,  weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its fifteenth glorious year!

In this week’s Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann weave through a tapestry of topics with their signature blend of wit and passion. From Rochester’s unseasonably cold August weather to the legal victory against “Alligator Alcatraz,” the conversation takes delightful detours while tackling serious issues like the persistent protein myths still plaguing vegans and the complexities of meat reduction trends worldwide. This episode explores: An important legal victory for the Center for Biological Diversity against environmentally destructive prison construction in the Everglades The persistent myths about protein that vegans continue to face, despite decades of nutritional evidence West Hollywood’s groundbreaking ban on the sale of all animals, not just dogs and cats The growing trend of meat reduction and “flexitarianism” among consumers worldwide Ethical questions surrounding Farm Kind’s controversial “meat offset” program that allows meat-eaters to donate to animal causes RESOURCES Challenging “Alligator Alcatraz”: The Legal Fight to Protect the Everglades with Elise Bennett Rethinking Rescue on Bookshop.org Where Are the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and What’s RFK’s Beef With Beans? The Self-Importance of Luxury Dining Plant-based meat has been relentlessly — and unfairly — attacked as “ultra-processed.” Can the industry save itself? Beyond Meat now just Beyond: what it means for poultry Your Excuses For Eating Meat Are Predictable And Wrong, Study Finds Another Lifesaving Law! Is West Hollywood America’s Most Animal-Friendly City? Nearly A Quarter Of Consumers Identify As ‘Meat Reducers’ Or Flexitarians Denver’s ‘Eat Less Meat’ campaign sparks backlash from ag community, praise from activists Oscar Mayer Debuts Pack Of Plant-Based And Animal-Based Hot Dogs For ‘Everybun’ An unorthodox idea for solving one of the world’s most underrated problems We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s episode of Rising Anxieties, we examine the meat industry’s growing concerns. From water scarcity issues affecting livestock-heavy regions to unexpected anti-vax policy changes impacting animal agriculture, Mariann walks listeners through the headlines that have industry executives worried. The episode covers everything from depleting aquifers in agricultural states to the prosecution of mink liberation activists, while also exploring challenges to backyard chickens and public criticism of marine mammal captivity. This episode explores: The terrifying depletion of vital underground water reservoirs in states with heavy livestock production including California, Texas, and Kansas How the cancellation of $776 million in avian flu vaccine funding is creating anxiety throughout the poultry industry The ongoing legal case against the “Northumberland Two,” who face multiple charges for releasing mink from a fur farm The poultry industry’s surprising campaign against backyard chicken keeping and their contradictory messaging about animal care A revealing look at PETA’s correspondence with a performer scheduled to appear at SeaWorld and the reaction it generated We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

This episode explores the powerful connections between factory farming, political repression, and the rise of authoritarianism with award-winning investigative journalist Will Potter. In a thought-provoking conversation about his new book Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable, Potter reveals how his decade-long investigation uncovered the dangerous intersection between industrial agriculture and fascist movements. With authenticity and passion, Mariann and Will discuss how bearing witness to animal suffering can illuminate broader patterns of violence and political manipulation in our society. This episode explores: How the meat industry uses the “little red barn” mythology to mask the reality of factory farming, while fascist movements similarly invoke a return to an idealized past Why animal advocates have been “canaries in the coal mine” for social movements challenging state and corporate power The evolution of investigative journalism and how animal rights organizations have filled crucial gaps in exposing industry practices The psychological toll of bearing witness to suffering and strategies for maintaining resilience while refusing to look away How reframing our relationship with animals could help address interconnected crises of climate change, authoritarianism, and violence ABOUT OUR GUEST Will Potter is an award-winning investigative journalist and author, and a leading international voice challenging attacks on civil liberties in the name of fighting “terrorism.” Will was the first investigative journalist to be named a TED Senior Fellow, and has addressed governmental bodies including the U.S. Congress, Australian Parliament, and Council of Europe. He is the author of Green Is the New Red, which exposed the FBI’s targeting of environmentalists as “terrorists.” His new book, Little Red Barns: Hiding the truth from farm to fable, is a 10-year investigation of factory farms and fascism. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

This episode features a conversation with Michael Dorf, Cornell Law School professor and animal advocate, who shares insights from his presentations at Vegan Summerfest. Jasmin and Mariann discuss their upcoming “staycation” plans while reflecting on the early days of Our Hen House. This episode explores: How human rights frameworks can be applied to animal rights advocacy The nationwide shelter crisis and the “Clear the Shelters” initiative happening throughout August Storytelling as a tool for social change in the animal rights movement Michael Dorf’s perspective on activism approaches for different personality types Remember to support your local animal shelters during the Clear the Shelters campaign this August by visiting cleartheshelters.org to find participating locations near you. RESOURCES The Vegan with Andrew Lipstein Clear The Shelters website ASPCA NY’s website Spent by Alison Bechdel Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir by Michael Anthony Dorf on Law: Nonhuman animals and the Constitution: Vegan Summerfest, My Upcoming Seminar, and More Dorf on Law: Human Rights for Nonhumans, Activism for Introverts, and Other Seeming Oxymorons We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this heartwarming episode, Jasmin and Mariann welcome Sherri Franklin, founder and executive director of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a groundbreaking organization that has saved over 13,000 senior dogs since 2007. What began with just 27 dogs in Sherri’s kitchen has transformed into a revolutionary cage-free shelter in San Francisco that now rescues more than 27 dogs every week. Through Sherri’s compassionate vision, Muttville has reimagined what animal sheltering can be – creating a welcoming community space where both dogs and humans thrive. This episode explores: How Muttville’s innovative cage-free shelter model creates a positive environment that encourages adoption and community engagement The special programs created for senior citizens and children, including the popular “Cuddle Club” that brings joy to isolated elderly individuals Why senior dogs make wonderful companions and the misconceptions that often prevent them from finding homes The importance of vegan advocacy within animal rescue organizations, with Muttville leading by example through vegan events and education Practical solutions for common senior dog health issues, including the organization’s hospice program that provides palliative care support ABOUT OUR GUESTS Sherri Franklin is the founder and executive director of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a groundbreaking organization that has saved over 13,000 senior dogs since 2007. A longtime vegan who hasn’t eaten meat for more than 40 years, Sherri pioneered one of the first animal welfare organizations to establish a meat-free policy in its bylaws, with all Muttville events now featuring exclusively vegan offerings. Her innovative approach created America’s first cage-free senior dog shelter, which has become an internationally recognized model hosting visitors from as far as Osaka and Istanbul. Sherri’s compassionate work earned her recognition as a CNN Hero in 2016, transforming the concept of animal shelters into community centers that bring together people and senior dogs to foster joy and connection. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this delightfully candid episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann dive into a mix of animal rights victories, personal news, and the peculiarities of content creation in the digital age. Episode Highlights: Jasmin’s Big News: Jasmin reveals she’ll be playing Judy Garland in “End of the Rainbow” at Center Stage Theater in Rochester this December. Fur Industry Collapse: Discussion of Kenny Torrella’s Vox article detailing what may be “the biggest animal welfare victory of the 21st century”  Farm Sanctuary Memories: Mariann shares her nostalgic visit to the Farm Sanctuary Hoedown, reflecting on her decades-long connection to the sanctuary YouTube Content Challenges: The hosts humorously navigate the mysterious world of YouTube algorithms and which words might affect their channel’s performance Inspiring Animal Rights News: A 72-year-old vegan nun winning a powerlifting competition A Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant switching to a plant-based menu Activist Maddie Krasno’s legal victory against censorship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Disturbing Zoo Practices: Critical examination of controversial practices at European zoos, including public pet donations for predator feeding and the killing of baboons due to overcrowding Wild Horse Controversy: Analysis of a Washington Post article suggesting wild horses should be consumed as food, highlighting the inconsistencies in how we view different animals We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.